CALGARY — Calgary police have charged a man in connection with a string of scams that allegedly defrauded seniors out of approximately $186,000 over a five-week period.
Investigators say there were 18 separate incidents between Aug. 29 and Oct. 3, 2025, and the alleged fraud was first reported in September.
According to police, elderly victims received phone calls from a woman identifying herself as Linda Jones, claiming she was investigating suspicious transactions on their bank accounts. She allegedly obtained victims’ bank card information and PINs and told them that a courier would collect their cards for “investigation purposes.”
Police said a man, using the aliases Garry Barnes or Norman Weldon, would then visit victims’ homes to take their bank cards and sometimes other items such as cellphones or iPads. The suspect allegedly used the stolen cards to withdraw cash, purchase pre-paid VISA cards, or buy luxury goods.
Through victim descriptions, officers issued Canada-wide warrants for the suspect, identified as 31-year-old Joshmin Jerrel Garnett. He was arrested in Richmond, B.C. Garnett faces 13 charges of fraud over $5,000, five charges under $5,000, identity theft, and uttering a forged passport.
Calgary police said Garnett is believed to be responsible for similar scams in B.C. and Ontario, where he is reportedly based. Insp. Scott Nielson warned that additional victims may exist.
He advised the public:
“When in doubt give us a call,” encouraging anyone suspecting a scam to contact police immediately.
Garnett remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, Jan. 12.
